MEA Sushma calls on PM Hasina; discusses ways to deepen Indo-Bangla ties and Rohingya issue

NewsBharati    23-Oct-2017
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Dhaka, October 23: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka last evening and discussed the situation arising out of the influx of Rohingyas from Rakhine State of Myanmar and need for an early and lasting solution. Swaraj, is on a 2-day visit to Dhaka and attended the 4th Bangladesh-India Joint Consultative Commission (JCC) meeting.

“India is deeply concerned at the spate of violence in Rakhine State of Myanmar. We have urged that the situation be handled with restraint, keeping in mind the welfare of the population”, Sushma Swaraj said. 

“It is clear that normalcy will only be restored with the return of the displaced persons to Rakhine state. In our view, the only long term solution to the situation in Rakhine State is rapid socio-economic and infrastructure development that would have a positive impact on all the communities living in the State.”

She further said “India, for its part, has committed to provide financial and technical assistance for identified projects to be undertaken in Rakhine State in conjunction with the local authorities. We have also supported implementation of the recommendations contained in the Kofi Annan led Special Advisory Commission report.”

EAM Swaraj apprised PM Hasina of the productive discussions at the Joint Consultative Commission and tangible progress made since her visit to India. This is the Indian EAM's second visit to Bangladesh, having visited the country last in 2014.

Earlier, at the JCC meeting, Swaraj and her Bangladeshi counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmud Ali discussed the common challenge of terrorism and resolved to fight the scourge together.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Swaraj said, both countries are determined to protect their societies from hate, violence and terror by adopting a zero tolerance policy and a comprehensive approach.

Also, the two countries inked two MOUs - one is a 15-year deal between India's Numaligarh Refinery Ltd and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation for the supply of high speed diesel once the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline between Siliguri and Parbatipur in Bangladesh is completed.

Sushma Swaraj India Bangladesh Bilateral ties Diplomacy External Affairs Minister Rakhine State Myanmar Sheikh Hasina Rohingya Bangladesh India Joint Consultative Commission JCC